over to porter street, northwest, still closed between connecticut avenue and beach drive because of a downed tree along with wires in that area. >>> under way in capitol hills it has potential to be the most contentious confirmation battle of president obama's first or second term. former republican senator chuck hagel of nebraska is the nominee for secretary of defense. he is facing several adversaries on senate armed services committee but he also came with friends. would retired chairmen of the committee introduced him. one was former senator john warner of virginia. >> certain men are asked to take the point which means to get out and lead in the face of the enemy. chuck hagel did that as a sergeant in vietnam. he c-- if confirmed he will do t again. >> he will lead the pentagon at this contentious time. >> we cannot allow the work of confronting the great threats we face today to held hostage to partisanship on either side. >> if confirmed chuck hagel would be the first former enlisted man and the first vietnam war veteran to head the pentagon. >>> today the senate will decide whether t